Training base for B-17 flying fortresses during World War II, the circuit evolved over the years to end up as a 3.74 miles or 6.02 km circuit. Concrete portions alternate with paved parts, which makes for the uniqueness of Sebring.

The Sebring circuit has officially existed since 1952 and for thirty years it has remained virtually unchanged - the only modification concerned the Green Park turn, established in 1967 - at 5.2 miles (8.37 kilometers). It uses two runways of the air base and it is common to see planes taking off during the race, the neighboring Regional Airport has retained part of the infrastructure of the airbase.

In 1983, the circuit was reduced to 4.75 miles (7.64 km) so as to incorporate a section of the track that had always been utilized (the circuit is not permanent!) when the track was not open before increasing to 4.86 miles (7.82 km) between 1984 and 1986 when the Ulmann straightaway was done away with to enlarge the paddock.

Major work was undertaken in the late 80s to create the permanent circuit. One of the two runways was destroyed and replaced by a paved portion and the inner path (infield) of the first turn at the Collier turn was remodeled. The last change was in 1998 when the hairpin at Turn 7 was planed.

Today, the section of the last turn just until the end of the straightaway at the stands, as well as the portion between turns 15 and 16, are still concrete, while the rest of the circuit is paved with tarmac. Nonetheless, and despite the resurfacing, the track is very bumpy, which makes engineers say that if the car lasts at the 12 Hours of Sebring, it will last at the 24 Hours at Le Mans!

The 62nd edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring will take place March 12-15, 2014, the start of the race will be at 10:15 (3:15 in France, the United States goes to Daylight Savings Time that weekend).

Cécile Bonardel / ACO